Danika Kristina Brazier-Reeve sentenced for driving onto Ballina golf course

A woman whose Mercedes went “airborne” through a north coast golf course – causing people to flee and hide behind trees – has provided a bizarre explanation for why she was evading police.

Danika Kristina Brazier-Reeve outside Ballina Courthouse.

A woman drove her Mercedes onto a busy north coast golf course during a police pursuit, causing people to run for safety, because she was “having a bad day”, a court has heard.

Danika Kristina Brazier-Reeve, 30, pleaded guilty at Ballina Local Court on Thursday to police pursuit, driving unlicensed and damaging property after the bizarre incident.

The West Ballina woman was driving a gold Mercedes on Links Ave when police recognised the car and signalled for her to pull over about 5pm on February 12, court documents state.

Brazier-Reeve ignored the direction and turned onto Jameson Ave, resulting in a police pursuit being initiated.

Police saw tyre smoke coming from Jameson Ave as the Mercedes travelled towards the Ballina Golf Sports Club.

“The car left Jameson Ave and entered the fairway of the 16th hole of the golf course … leaving tyre marks and small gouges,” police documents state.

Danika Kristina Brazier-Reeve caused many people to run for safety.

The police pursuit was terminated due to the danger to the public.

“The accused then crossed to the fairway of the 14th hole where the Mercedes became airborne on the fairway,” police documents state.

Brazier-Reeve continued onto the fairway of the 13th hole before entering the golf club car park at speed.

The Mercedes then re-entered the golf course, crossing the fairways of five holes before driving back onto Links Ave.

“Witnesses on the golf course sought protection from the accused by taking cover behind trees,” police state.

Police found the Mercedes parked and unattended in the Flat Rock Beach car park and went to the address where the car was registered.

Ballina Golf and Sports Club. Picture: Google Maps.

Upon arrival, Brazier-Reeve approached the officers and said: “It was me you were chasing”.

“I was literally nearly a metre in the air on the golf course,” Brazier-Reeve said.

She was arrested and taken to Ballina police station where her bail was initially refused.

“The likelihood of pedestrians was high, putting them at serious risk of harm as the car was travelling in such a matter it went airborne and people had to run to avoid the car in fear of being hit,” police state.

In court the police prosecutor Ms Scott said Brazier-Reeve has a prior conviction.

“She has a disregard for lives and the safety of people and police,” Ms Scott said.

Ballina Police Station. Picture: File

The accused has never held a driver’s licence, court documents state.

Defence lawyer Cassandra Bennett said Brazier-Reeve has a limited criminal history and her GP said this offence is out of character.

“She’s been through a stressful break-up … she had a bad day and just wanted to get away,” Ms Bennett said.

“She was scared because she didn’t have a licence … she is deeply apologetic about the danger she put people in.”

“There were no drugs or alcohol in her system.”

Ballina Local Court. Picture: File.

The court heard it was her sister’s car and she wishes to apologise to the golf course.

Magistrate Kathy Crittenden said there were 30 people on the golf course who were forced to hide behind trees.

“There are significant issues you need to address,” Ms Crittenden said.

Brazier-Reeve has been sentenced to a supervised three-year community corrections order where she must complete 120 hours of community service work.

She has also been fined $300 and will not be allowed to apply for a licence for a year.